I'm looking to build a gaming PC for the first time. I've filled out the questionnaire - it's under the build.

While everything is up for debate and suggestion, I'm looking for specific info with regards to a CPU cooler, Motherboard(I've heard the ASRock Extreme 3 Gen 3 might be just as good), Case and Power Supply.

PC Use: I'm going to use this PC for gaming. If specific games are of relevance, think Tribes: Ascend, Civ V, League fo Legends, Starcraft 2, Mass Effect, Diablo III, quite likely an MMO like Guild Wars II or SWTOR at some point...etc. In terms of genre: RTSes, RPGs, MMORPGS, Strategy, DOTA-style and the *occasional* First Person Shooter. I'm looking to get good/great performance out of these and hopefully future proofing myself for a couple of years provided I make some occasional upgrades.

Budget: My budget is $1750 tax and shipping included. Provided free-shipping for most stuff, that puts me at $1550 max (13% taxation because I don't live in Alberta ). $99.99 is already given over to Windows 7 64bit so....$1450.

Brand Preference: I've never built a PC before so no brand preference. I'm looking for functionality, decent warranty and good customer service.

Current Parts: I'll be using an older Razer Gaming mouse for now and a 32" tv-monitor. 1080p Resolution.

IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads: The conclusions I've drawn are that the i5 2500K is just as good as as the i7 2600K for gaming, SSDs are a nice luxury but not necessary, and it's hard to figure out motherboards and cooling.

Overclocking: I have no experience with over-clocking. If it's really easy I may consider it, but I'm not explicitly looking to do it. If I can get parts that enable me to do it at a later date within my price range, then great. If not, no biggie.

Build-time: I plan to build it in Mid-may(graduation + minor cash gift influx).

Resolution and settings: I'm looking at 1080p. Ideally, I'd expect most games to run on max at first but I'm aware that would drop as the years go by.

Specific technologies: Lower noise. Wifi would be great too, but that's not necessary. I'm open as to what you guys would think are essential technologies a gaming PC should not do without.

i would personally change the power supply to a corsair ax750. it has a 7 year warranty and is plenty powerful enough to supply the demand of your computer. also, check out ncix.com/memoryexpress as they are canadian retailers that provide a good selection at decent prices. always look for an opportunity to price match. i use shopbot.ca to look up parts before ordering. otherwise, the setup looks good!

I purchased the HAF 912 and it IS a great case but I had to order the 2 200mm fans separately so that adds $40 to the case price, might have well bought the HAF 932. Overclocking is as easy as clicking your mouse now, you just use the software your Motherboard Manufacturer gives you.